New playground for Lake George park

The Anoka County Board Feb. 11 awarded a contract to Flanagan Sales, Inc., St. Paul, for playground equipment, site design and installation at the regional park.

The $138,080 cost is being paid for from state legacy dollars allocated to Anoka County for park and recreation projects.

According to Jeff Perry, park planning and resources manager, installation is expected to take place in April and May, with completion by the Memorial Day weekend.

“The existing playground is 20 years old and needs to be replaced,” Perry said.

The new playground will highlight the natural environment background of oak trees in the park and it will be near the swimming beach, he said.

The playground equipment will have a textured vinyl surface to keep it cool and prevent it from heating up, Perry said.

For shade, the playground will have several roofs as well as lower deck areas, according to Perry.

“It will have diverse play features for children of all ages and accommodate children of all abilities,” Perry said.

The playground will meet American with Disabilities Act standards, he said.

The existing equipment will be dismantled, but not destroyed, Perry said.

Rather, it will be donated to the Kids Around The World program, whereby it will be stored in a warehouse until a need is found for it in another country, then it will be shipped to that nation and installed, according to Perry.

Not only does the playground equipment go to a good cause, using this approach has saved the county $1,500 on the contract, Perry said.

“I am very pleased that we are able to donate the present playground equipment instead of destroying it,” said County Commissioner Jim Kordiak, who chairs the Parks and Community Services Committee. “It works out for everyone.”